The object I chose was a pocket watch with an engraved bird on it. This watch is handmade by my mother’s father and has been in my family since 1977. This watch is a very meaningful object in my family because it was brought to America from communist Russia in a time when it was virtually impossible to leave the Soviet Union. They escaped by taking a train to Austria.  This object represents the hardship my family went through to have brought this pocket watch to America. Back then, it was illegal to bring jewelry out of the Soviet Union, so My family had to hide it very well so the guards from  border wouldn’t take it away and arrest them for it. On the cover of the watch is an engraved bird, the bird is a biblical representation of the living and breathing. This watch stands out to me because of the solid gold material it is made out of and how beautifully intricate the design of it is. Although the clock no longer ticks, it is historical evidence of my family's past and object I will keep forever. It keeps me grounded and reminds me of the sacrifices my family has made for me to have a better future. 

– A-LG

Relationship:  Im/migrant Im/migrant